Delta Airlines launches a new direct route between Cape Town and Atlanta

Delta Airlines will launch a new direct route between Cape Town and Atlanta in the United States on Saturday, December 3.

Since December 2006, the airline has operated direct flights between Atlanta and Johannesburg.

The direct flight between Cape Town and Atlanta will be part of a new seasonal triangular route that will begin with a direct flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, then to Cape Town, and then back to Atlanta. This seasonal triangular route will be available until the end of March of the following year.

Delta’s capacity to South Africa will increase by 67% as a result of this new service.

In addition, beginning December 18, Delta will offer a year-round direct flight from Atlanta to Cape Town and back.

Delta offers connections to over 200 destinations from its Atlanta hub.

During a press conference on Thursday, Paul Hassenstab, Delta’s sales director for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI), stated that the new route will not only provide more options for visitors from Cape Town, but will also provide visitors from the United States with a direct route to the popular Cape Town and Winelands region.

According to a new SA Tourism report, the US will overtake the UK as South Africa’s number one overseas tourism source market in 2021 for the first time (SAT).

The 14% increase in arrivals from the United States (82 020 in 2021 versus 2020) was also the highest among SA’s top source markets. Revenue from US arrivals, mostly first-time visitors and people over 45, totaled R2.3 billion in 2021, the highest of any source market.

Pre-pandemic data showed that the United States was SA’s second largest tourism source market, with 373 694 arrivals, trailing only the United Kingdom (436 559) and Germany (322 720).

According to a SAT report, visitors from the United States enjoy SA’s exclusive game reserves and affordable luxury accommodation options. They are looking for wildlife, beautiful scenery, beaches, and exciting activities.

“We are already seeing tremendous demand for our flights to South Africa,” said Hassenstab.

He also stated that the new route expands cargo potential, including fruit and auto parts.

Delta currently serves Accra, Ghana, Dakar, Senegal, and Lagos, Nigeria as additional African destinations. For intra-Africa travel, the airline has a code-share agreement with Kenya Airways, as well as a trans-Atlantic agreement with Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.